Life-Changing Journeys for High School Students â&#x201E;˘
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C o s t a R i c a D o m i n i c a n R e p. G u a t e m a l a
C EN T R A L A MERI C A

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South Africa

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C o s t a R i c a D o m i n i c a n R e p. G u a t e m a l a

Our Mission
C EN T R A L A MER I C A

To inspire the next generation to realize their
potential to transform the world and their role in it.

Our Values
Our Integrity is unspoken. It is the unfailing framework from
which we build every program, human relationship, and bridge
into a community.
Respect is inherent in all of our interactions among students,
staff, and all of the members whose communities we serve.
Respect means accepting and celebrating differences. Respect
means considering all points of view, always.
Cooperation is key to our accomplishments. We are a traveling community, helping to serve other communities. We work
together, learn from one another, and build valuable friendships
in the process.
Compassion is what drives our service, and that compassion
extends to students, parents, and host communities. Our care
for people extends to everything we do.
We are invested in the Personal Growth and development of all of
our students and staff. We foster an environment for students to
safely explore, experience, and self-discover.
Optimism is at our core. We believe that anything is possible,
and that every person is capable of driving and adopting positive
change in the world.
Innovation is what makes us stand out in international education.
Open to new ideas and always striving to work better and smarter
to serve our communities, students, and parents.

Our History
Although we are an American organization, our roots are global. In
2003, the African Leadership Academy began as a dream to develop
future leaders of Africa, regardless of income. The idea sprung from
the visionary mind of Fred Swaniker, a Stanford MBA who is originally
from Ghana. Growing up and working all over Africa, he realized that
the greatest obstacle to African development was leadership. In an
effort to combat this problem, he began developing a pan-African
high school which would offer a world-class education and promote
ethical and principled leadership among top high school students
from all over the continent.
As a way to develop the curriculum and bring together students from
Africa and around the world, Fred created the Summer Academy at
Cape Town. After two years, believing in the potential of every young
adult to be a global leader and make an impact, the name of the organization was changed to Global Leadership Adventures and Andrew
Motiwalla, a 15 year veteran in international education, was brought
aboard to lead the organization and replicate the successful model
around the world. With this significant expansion came a greater
opportunity to serve and to apply core values of integrity, respect,
cooperation, compassion, growth, and optimism to many more communities around the globe.
Today, Global Leadership Adventures is the leader of a new model of
international service-learning. By bringing together individuals from
different cultures to collaborate on a service project, students learn
first-hand about social issues in the world while also becoming aware
of their own leadership potential.

The most striking thing I learned was how to lead effectively. In China, each GLA student
was required to lead the entire group for one whole day. During the program, I realized
that a leader must have deep convictions of his goals, be clear about what needs to be
achieved, find the strength of each individual, and capitalize on that strength.

On Opening My Eyes to New Possibilities
Evert D.
Willem de Zwijger High School
Hometown: Bussum, The Netherlands

On Unlocking My Passions
Elyssa-June S.
Bermuda High School for Girls
Hometown: Bermuda

GLA has inspired me to see the world in a more loving and open way. It introduced me to
new cultures and people that have impressed me in the most wonderful ways. I experienced the raw soul and the real people of Tanzania, not the tourist or city life. I learned to
appreciate the details in life more and to really pursue the things I want in life.

My GLA experience in Ghana was the most memorable three weeks of my life so far, and I
continue to tell my friends and family that I wish I could have remained there for the entire
summer. Volunteering at the Keta hospital allowed me to learn hands-on about healthcare
management. I was able to see how healthcare was provided to patients in a rural context. The few hours I spent at the hospital reconfirmed my interest in healthcare, and I’ve
decided to study international health, humanitarian relief and development in university.

On Learning About My Role in the World
Kelly V.
Currently Attending: Stanford University
Lewis Palmer High School
Hometown: Monument, CO

GLA was an eye-opening experience, both in seeing a new part of the world and gaining
perspective on issues that cross societal boundaries. The people I met at GLA – the children, the grassroots leaders, and our fantastic program director and mentors – have hugely
inspired me to continue to act as a global citizen throughout college and my future career.

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On Uncovering New Career Options
Rishi T.
Currently Attending: UC San Diego
Saratoga High School
Hometown: Saratoga, CA

GLA instilled in me a passion for international relations because it gave me the unique
opportunity to look beyond words, photographs, and statistics and truly experience firsthand the workings of another culture. The community service and immersion into the
village really pushed me to embrace the Spanish language and mold a global leader out
of me. In college, Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m majoring in International Relations and Economics and hope to
pursue a career in international corporate law.

On Helping Me Appreciate What I Have
Valerie L.
Walnut High School
Hometown: Yorba Linda, CA

I learned to appreciate the things I once took for granted. GLA opened my eyes as to
what really matters. Seeing the poverty-stricken families struck a cord in me because they
worry about problems that donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t even come up in the minds of American teenagers. The
question of how am I going to feed my children or where am I going to sleep tonight is
always asked by families in Asia which is why I came to realize many of my problems are
insignificant compared to those of these families.

On Improving the Lives of Those Less Fortunate
Kevin and Sara V.
Ocean City High School
Hometown: Ocean City, NJ
GLA Repeat Alumni

Each summer that we did GLA, our experiences were some of the most memorable times
in our lives. Guatemala, the Dominican Republic and Costa Rica were all awesome. We
did not know anyone else going into the programs, but we ended up making so many
great friendships. The trips themselves are great, but it is so gratifying to be able to give
back to countries in need throughout all of our volunteer work.

On Influencing College Applications
Shaomin C.
Currently Attending: Harvard University
Choate Rosemary Hall High School
Hometown: Singapore

What GLA did for me is show me the world in its most raw form and at the very same
time, give me hope that I might play a role in giving these communities a brighter future.
In the face of despair, I saw the smiles of children. It showed me poverty at a level that
was very extreme and I had not seen that before. My reflections on what I experienced
and learnt during GLA played a key part in two of my college essays and I talked about it
extensively in the interviews.

+ 1 858 771 0645 5
www.experienceGLA.com

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the GLA difference
GLA is not just another summer program.
It´s a life-changing experience.
This is how we do it...
the service
learning

adventure ™

Flagship

5
N
Flagship

W

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Language

full-service

parent support

E
Flagship

6

point
safety system ™

expert staff

Language

Flagship

Language

S
Flagship

Language

home base
lodging

Language
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the

service

learning™

GLA has crafted the ultimate Service Learning Adventure. In fact, these experiences
have been shaped and tested by students just like you: exceptional, young global
leaders from all corners of the world. Each experience is unique, but has the same
three key components: Community Service, Hands-on Learning, and Adventure. We
ensure that these three components are the core of every program, because we’ve
seen it transform students year after year before our very eyes.

adventure

Community Service

Hands-on Learning
The world is our classroom and we are the
authors of our own adventures. Through experiential learning, we develop an understanding
of a community’s arts, culture, and history in a
way that no textbook alone could ever convey.
We also learn about ourselves and our role
in the world, discovering new passions and
leadership potential. Our students emerge
motivated to participate in solving global challenges such as: healthcare, political-economic
issues, children’s rights, animal protection, the
environment, indigenous and women’s rights
and poverty, just to name a few.

the GLA difference

It is at the heart of each of our programs. When
our students extend a hand and interact directly
with a new environment and community, remote
issues and concepts become people with faces,
names, and needs. GLA students develop deep
and lasting bonds with host communities, and
leave behind real, positive change.

Adventure

Discussion & Reflection
GLA students return home with the same luggage, but
with a new and immeasurable wealth of knowledge and experience. In order to accomplish this, GLA’s staff engages
students in group discussion to help them reflect and
process all they’ve learned. Only after this final step is any
Service Learning Adventure complete.

That’s the “A” in G-L-A, and no GLA program would be complete without it! Each
host community boasts its own historical
and cultural treasures, now yours to discover. Imagine exploring the ruins of Machu
Picchu in Peru, hiking The Great Wall of
China, zip lining through the pristine cloud
forests of Costa Rica, or photographing
lions and zebras on a safari in Tanzania.
Which adventure is up to you.

Flagship

+ 1 858 771 0645 7
www.experienceGLA.com

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5

point

safety system ™
Safety is our #1 priority. That’s why GLA has implemented
the GLA Five-Point Safety System ™ to help ensure students’
safety and health, and your peace of mind:

Safe and Secure Lodging
the GLA difference

Each program has a GLA Home Base, a place for GLA students only. It’s their
home away from home – to relax, enjoy meals with GLA staff and other volunteers,
and reflect. Students room together in gender-segregated group lodging.

Caring Supervision
GLA policy is for no student to ever be by themselves at any point in time.
Students should be either with staff members, in groups, or assigned to a buddy.
Our student-staff ratio is 10:1.

Healthy Meals and Pure Water
Meals are prepared fresh daily, with a healthy mix of fruits, vegetables, meat,
dairy, and bread. Students may sample local cuisine, but Western-style and
vegetarian options are also available. Students also have access to unlimited safe
drinking water.

Expert Local Knowledge

Language

Our in-country staff members have intimate knowledge of the host community.
They have established relationships with medical professionals in the area, as well
as local organizations where students do community service.

Safe and Comfortable Transportation
Students are transported in GLA-approved vehicles, transported by experienced,
licensed drivers. At time of arrival, GLA staff will be at the airport to meet and
greet students. If the plane is delayed, they will wait until students arrive. At airport drop-off, GLA staff will help students check in and make sure students know
how to find their flight.

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expert staff
In the GLA experience, bright students connect with accomplished mentors. This is because our staff are not
chaperones; they’re experts. By design, each GLA program is co-managed by both a local and international director. The combination is key: each local director has intimate knowledge of the host community and culture; each
international director comes from the U.S. or U.K. and has in-depth professional experience working with youth.
All of our staff hold college degrees – most with graduate degrees. Many also return year after year to work with
GLA. Explore some of our expert staffs’ backgrounds below:

Flagship

Language

More of our staff bios can be found in the back of the catalog.

Kate Hanavan

Ryan Feinstein

Dave Addison

Annabel Smith

Danielle is a doctoral candidate in Political Science
at Stanford University and
holds a Masters degree from
the School of Education at
Stanford. Danielle worked as a
special education teacher and
for various U.S. and international nonprofit organizations.
She has also been part of the
GLA team in Brazil, Costa
Rica, and South Africa and
works with a number of service
organizations including Teach
for America and the Orphan
Foundation of America.

Kate was raised in Goffstown,
New Hampshire and attended
Emerson College in Boston where
she received a degree in Education.
Kate currently lives in San Francisco
where she teaches at an elite primary school in the mornings and
tutors high school students around
the city in the evenings. In the
summer, Kate directs GLA programs and has worked in Tanzania,
Australia and China. She has a
strong passion for educating youth
and traveling internationally as she
has visited 20 different countries on
five different continents.

Ryan is the founder of the Global
Youth in Action Programs and
was Project Director for the third
international “Awakening Global
Action” gathering in Bali. He has
helped design and host all three
“Quest for Global Healing” conferences with more than 1200 people
from around the world. When not in
Bali, Ryan runs leadership development programs for young people.
Most recently, he was in charge of
leadership programs at the Jewish
Community Center in La Jolla, CA.
Ryan received his BA in International
Studies from UC San Diego.

Dave holds a BA from the
University of the State of
New York in International
Relations and a PhD in Global
Sustainability from Argosy
University. Prior to working
with GLA, Dave was a US Navy
Seal and a financial analyst
on Wall Street. Having raised
three children, he now lives
in the Dominican Republic
working on environmental
sustainability and humanitarian projects with high school
students. Dave loves sharing
his knowledge with students
and inspiring them to build a
healthy, habitable planet for
future generations.

Annabel holds a BA in
International History and MS
in Human Rights from the
London School of Economics.
She has taught in the UK, the
US and East Africa, and is
currently the Director of Global
Studies and Community
Partnerships at the American
School in London. Her passion for human rights education led her to join GLA. She
has directed GLA programs in
India and South Africa.

At GLA, we are your tireless mission control. In other words,
we’re with you every step of the way. We understand it can
be challenging to leave your teen to the care of others, so we
take equal care in providing superior support for every parent,
before, during, and post-program:

Full Pre-Departure Support

Once you’ve registered for one of our programs, the GLA Team is at
your disposal to provide full support for all your preparations:

Language

ship
the GLA difference

• Where and how to book a flight
• Flight recommendations and suggested group itineraries so that students can travel
with other students
• Understanding the passport and visa application process, step-by-step
• Full access to the online GLA Travel Portal – network with other parents and students
on your program and have all pre-departure info at your fingertips

Sam H., Winnetka, IL
“We are so thankful to find a program that is so safe as
that was my biggest concern when she first thought of
going. I would rate my experience with GLA a 10 out of
10! My daughter participated in the Ghana and Guatemala
programs and loved both of them. She hopes to go to
Galapagos in 2011! Thank you all so much for working so
hard to provide such a great experience for the kids.”

In-Country Support and Updates

During the program, we are your direct link, 24 hours a day:
• Offering a 24-hour Emergency Hotline
• Requiring all students to call home upon arrival in the country
• Making you aware of any emergencies, changes, or updates
• Relaying urgent parental messages to students, and student messages to parents, via
in-country staff
• Providing evacuation and secondary medical insurance for all students
• Linking you to periodically-updated student blogs, with pictures and accounts of
students’ experiences, so parents can share in the journey (available for most programs)

Post-Program Follow-Up

After the program, our staff follows up with every parent to:
• Get your feedback on the program
• Get your feedback on the level of parent support
• Ensure we’ve provided the best possible service to you and your family

Ruth C., Los Angeles, CA
“Once Christine was set to go, I started feeling a little
insecure. I contacted GLA by email, and received an immediate and detailed response, alleviating my concerns.
I was especially happy to be able to follow along with the
trip events on the GLA blog, enabling me to have a visual
of how happy my daughter appeared... and she was truly,
truly happy. When Christine came home and shared
some of her experiences and stories with me, I had a
question for GLA administration. My concerns were dealt
with in a professional and courteous manner. I feel that
GLA has a great deal of integrity in dealing with families.
The concern for student’s well-being was consistent from
pre-departure right through to the safe return home, and
the weeks that followed.”

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Program Types
Throughout the catalog, you’ll notice
certain programs are marked “Flagship” or
“Language.” Students have given many of
these programs the highest ratings,
and this is why:

home base

Flagship

lodging

Language

Flagship

the GLA difference

Our 21-day Flagship programs provide the ideal amount
of time to satisfy every dimension of the GLA experience.
Although many of the same objectives can be achieved on
shorter programs, students and parents report that three
weeks is the optimal time to develop lifelong friendships
with local people and fellow students, to make a greater
impact on the community, to fully immerse themselves in a
culture, and to explore different facets of the host country.

The GLA Home Base is one of many features that sets us
apart from the rest. It is each GLA student’s home-awayfrom-home. Home Base is a dedicated space reserved
exclusively for GLA students and staff, providing safety
and security within a controlled, supervised environment.
Whether it’s a spacious house, a floor of a building, or a
hostel we’ve completely taken over, the GLA Home Base is
where students can relax, unwind, share stories, and build
life-long friendships. Here students experience a groupliving dynamic, creating a sense of community, support
and reflection throughout their experience. Many GLA
students find that it also helps prepare them for the
experience of living at college.

Language

Language
Interact on a deeper level, and take your language skills to
the next level. Designed for high school students, our GLA
Experiential Language Curriculum ™ seamlessly integrates
language into many aspects of the program, including
community service and cultural activities. Our teachers use
classroom time to prepare students to speak the language
as they interact with local people. We currently offer
Language programs in Spanish and Mandarin.

1 858 771 0645 11

www.experienceGLA.com

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+ 1 858 771 0645 13
www.experienceGLA.com

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GHANA

Children of Africa ™

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ΩΩVolunteer at a village primary school ΩRelive history at the slave forts Ω Learn about social issues facing
women and children Ω Hike to the tallest waterfall in West Africa Ω Learn traditional African dance and percussion
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GHANA

Its villages will charm you,
its scenery amaze you,
and its children welcome you
Ghana is often called the heart and soul of West Africa because of its welcoming, passionate, and peaceful people.
It is a particularly important place, because it is where many African-Americans can trace their roots.
Besides volunteering to help local children, you will immerse yourself in the vibrant African culture, visit the historic slave
forts on Cape Coast, and hike through lush tropical forests and large natural reserves home to monkeys and hundreds of
species of birds and butterflies.

Community Service
Service is an integral part of this program. You will volunteer in orphanages and schools
working with Ghanaian children. Many children do not have access to education, and
there is a lack of adequate facilities, books and qualified teachers. You may find yourself
teaching a group of kids in a classroom with no electricity or even under a tree with only a
chalk board and your own skills to share. Other service activities include arts and crafts,
tree planting, brick making, sports or English tutoring.

Hands-on Learning

21-DAY
FLAGSHIP PROGRAM
July 9 – July 29
July 30– August 19
Tuition: $4,395
Service hours: 60
14-DAY PROGRAM
June 25 – July 8
July 30 – August 12
Tuition: $3,195
Service hours: 45

Through a variety of cultural activities, you will become immersed in this rich African culture. We’ll participate in workshops such as cloth making, drumming, and Ewe language
crash courses. Additionally, we will meet with inspirational grassroots leaders to learn
how they are addressing the pressing issues facing Ghanaian women and children today.
You will have the unique opportunity to meet with local tribe members and chiefs to engage in a deep analysis of traditional religion, the social construction of gender, the tribal
system of chiefs, as well as the distinctive history of Ghana.

Adventure
During the week we’ll visit some of the local sites, but on the first weekend we’ll travel deep
into the Volta Region where we’ll hike to one of the tallest waterfalls in West Africa, visit
a Monkey Sanctuary and learn how to weave kente cloth at a traditional weaving village.
Students participating on the 21-day Flagship Program will spend the second weekend
exploring the legendary and haunting slave forts including Cape Coast Castle and Elmina
Castle. The Elmina Castle was one of the most frequented stops in the Atlantic Slave Trade,
and today it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. We’ll also hike along rope bridges through
the canopy of a rain forest.

Lodging
The GLA Home Base is a large private home located in
the warm village of Anloga, two hours east of the capital
city Accra. It is nestled between a fisherman’s lagoon
and a sandy beach on the Atlantic Ocean. We live in gender-segregated rooms; each room has two bunk beds.
The compound is beautifully furnished with authentic
African decorations.

Schedule
Live and volunteer in a rural village during the week, spend
weekends visiting other parts of the country.
Download a day-by-day schedule at
experienceGLA.com/info

+ 1 858 771 0645 15
www.experienceGLA.com

2011catalog_carol.indd 15

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SOUTH AFRICA

Cape Town: One City, Two Worlds ™

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ΩΩVolunteer with inspirational organizations in the townships Ω Meet grassroots leaders doing groundbreaking
social work Ω Live at the base of famous Table Mountain and hike to the top Ω Visit Robben Island, where Nelson
Mandela was imprisoned Ω Spend time with a colony of African penguins
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SOUTH AFRICA

Confront the contradictions
of contemporary South Africa on a
journey of history, humanity, and hope
From cape mansions to local township shacks, no other city in Africa presents students with as clear a dichotomy of rich
and poor as Cape Town. Evidence of the oppressive apartheid regime is still here to witness, but South Africa perseveres,
and with students’ help, can more ably bridge its chasms.
In this program, students explore in-depth the issues of race, globalization, public health and poverty in the southernmost
African nation. From volunteering in orphanages, daycare centers and schools to make a difference in the lives of African
youth, to witnessing some of Earth’s most beautiful natural landscapes, Cape Town will create a lasting impression on you.

Community Service
Service is an integral part of the program. You will volunteer in one of the following sites:
a children’s orphanage, a daycare center for children affected by HIV, a township school,
or a refuge for the homeless. Each of these sites allows students to interact face to face
with South African people and learn about the culture. Volunteer work ranges from building and restoring facilities to teaching English, computers and doing art.

Hands-on Learning

21-DAY
FLAGSHIP PROGRAM
June 19 – July 9
Tuition: $4,395
Service hours: 60

Through volunteering you will learn first-hand about the issues facing the local people.
We’ll engage in a deep analysis of apartheid, the social construction of race, and contemporary history in order to understand this complex country and culture. Additionally, we
will learn about South Africa in relation to the rest of the African continent and the role of
HIV/AIDS in social development. Students will have the opportunity to learn basic Xhosa,
one of the local indigenous languages of the Western Cape, as well as percussion and
African drumming.

Adventure
You will explore the southernmost tip of the African continent. We will bike around the Cape
of Good Hope, hike Table Mountain, and encounter penguins on the stunning beaches. We
will explore Robben Island where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned during his fight against
apartheid, and also visit some of the oldest townships and interact with local people.

Lodging
Students will live together as a group and dorm with a few
other students in the gender-segregated GLA Home Base.
Your lodging will be clean, modest and safe. You will have
access to internet, phones and sports fields.

Schedule
Mornings are spent at the community service sites and afternoons are filled with speakers, hands-on workshops and
leadership development activities. Weekends are spent
exploring the city and coast.
Download a day-by-day schedule at
experienceGLA.com/info

+ 1 858 771 0645 17
www.experienceGLA.com

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SOUTH AFRICA

Johannesburg: African Leadership & Service

ΩΩConfront history at the Apartheid Museum Ω Journey to key places in the fight against apartheid Ω Join leaders on the
18campus of the African Leadership Academy Ω Volunteer with children in the township of Soweto Ω Get up close to lions,
elephants and zebras on a day-long safari
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SOUTH AFRICA

From the Cradle of Humankind,
learn about the leaders who
are shaping the Africa of today
Less than twenty years ago, apartheid – the official regime of state racism – was abolished in South Africa. Today, the
country is emerging as an inspirational “rainbow nation.” Learn about the historical struggle and experience the exciting
and vibrant new society for yourself. Paying unforgettable visits to the Apartheid Museum, Nelson Mandela’s home, and
to the Cradle of Humankind – one of the earliest sites where human fossils were discovered – you will see the history of a
continent and a people unfold before your eyes. And to take full advantage of South Africa’s natural wealth, students will
travel outside the city to view lions, elephants and other wildlife on a nearby safari.

Community Service
The current public education system in South Africa has few resources and is ineffective
in its approach, as 45% of Grade 7 pupils are tested and found to be functionally illiterate.
You will volunteer in a day care center for young children. The center is run by a non-profit
group working to improve the quality of education for underprivileged children. You will develop educational games, provide one-on-one tutoring and engage in recreational activities
as a way of letting the children connect with someone from another country and learn more
about your life and culture. You will also work within the community helping with gardening and planting and creating an anti-litter campaign to manage a huge trash problem.

Hands-on Learning

14-DAY PROGRAM
July 9 – July 22
Tuition: $3,195
Service hours: 45

This program will give you the opportunity to learn about South Africa,­its successes and
challenges. Students will visit the Apartheid Museum, the homes of Nelson Mandela
and Archbishop Desmond Tutu (two of the greatest freedom fighters in history), and the
infamous Soweto townships. Here we will learn and experience history first-hand and
see where the struggle for a new South African nation began. You will meet inspirational
grassroots leaders battling the AIDS epidemic, as well as brave individuals who struggled
to end apartheid. Johannesburg is a city full of examples of leadership and social change. ­
You can’t help but be inspired.

Adventure
Although Johannesburg is a city, just minutes outside of town there are wildlife preserves
where we will enjoy Africa’s natural treasures. During the program you will have the opportunity to visit a breeding center where you can feed giraffes and play with baby lion cubs.
You will go on a day safari where you can photograph lions, zebras, wildebeest, giraffes and
elephants. We will visit the Cradle of Humankind, one of the oldest sites of early human life
on earth.

Lodging
Students will live on the campus of the African Leadership
Academy, an international boarding school located in the
quiet, peaceful outskirts of Johannesburg in an area called
Honeydew. Two students will share a room with a private
bathroom. Students will have access to computer labs,
classrooms, sports fields, and a cafeteria.

Schedule
Mornings are spent volunteering, afternoons include
hands-on learning activities and during the weekend we do
a day safari and visit a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Download a day-by-day schedule at
experienceGLA.com/info

+ 1 858 771 0645 19
www.experienceGLA.com

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TANZANIA / KILIMANJARO

Heart & Soul of Africa ™

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ΩΩVolunteer at a village primary school Ω Authentic African safari to see zebras, elephants, lions, rhinos and
more! Ω Hike to a waterfall on the side of Mount Kilimanjaro Ω Spend a weekend among the Masai to learn
about their culture Ω Learn African dance and percussion
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TANZANIA

Explore the myth and magic
of the real Africa at the base
of Mount Kilimanjaro
Venture out beyond the Africa of the movies and discover the real Africa: welcoming people, awe-inspiring wildlife, persistent percussion, and the mythical Mount Kilimanjaro.
Work side-by-side with local leaders in orphanages and village schools. During the weekends, experience a real African
wildlife safari and live among the Masai people to learn first-hand about their unique culture.

Community Service
We will work at the local village schools and orphanages fixing up facilities by painting and
building playgrounds and classrooms for the children. In addition, we will teach English
and math by playing educational games.

Hands-on Learning

21-DAY FLAGSHIP
PROGRAM
July 9 – July 29
July 30– August 19
Tuition: $4,395
Service hours: 45
14-DAY PROGRAM
June 25 – July 8
July 9 – July 22
July 30 – August 12
Tuition: $3,195
Service hours: 30

You will learn about Tanzania’s rich culture. Specifically, you will experience the traditions
of the Chagga people who live around Mount Kilimanjaro, including visits to their coffee
farms and banana plantations. You will also learn about and meet members of the Masai
nomadic tribes who follow their livestock and adhere to no country borders. Although
English is widely spoken, you will also learn to speak some Swahili. You will learn from
guest speakers about social issues facing the community, such as the HIV/AIDS epidemic
and the history of east Africa and even participate in art workshops such as batik, bead
making, and wood carving.

Adventure
In addition to spending a day hiking around the base of Mount Kilimanjaro to a stunning
waterfall, you will visit some of the world’s most spectacular safari parks. Over the first
weekend you will visit two of the world’s most famous wildlife reserves: Ngorongoro Crater
and Tarangire National Park. During the weekend safari, you will have the opportunity to get
up close to zebras, lions, leopards, elephants, wildebeest, rhinos, and many other species
in their natural habitat. For those on our 21-day Flagship Program, the second weekend will
take us to a Masai village where we’ll live in a traditional community and learn about their
unique nomadic culture.

Lodging
The GLA Home Base, located 20 minutes away from
Kilimanjaro airport, is a small cluster of houses with a
wall around it. The Base is located in a village about
10 minutes from the town of Moshi. Four students will
share a room with a private bathroom.

Schedule
Volunteer in the mornings at a village school, cultural
activities in the afternoons and weekend excursions.
Download a day-by-day schedule at
experienceGLA.com/info

+ 1 858 771 0645 21
www.experienceGLA.com

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+ 1 858 771 0645 23
www.experienceGLA.com

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BALI

Journey of Spirit, Arts and Service

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ΩΩVolunteer with inspirational organizations helping to improve public health Ω Dine with the Prince of Ubud
and learn about his leadership of the town Ω Visit traditional healers and medicine men Ω Take a sunrise boat
trip to see dolphins Ω Trek to remote temples and work in rice paddies with local farmers
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Immerse yourself in a land where spirituality and ecology blend together to create a unique and peaceful culture. During
your experience you’ll volunteer with community organizations, explore off-the-beaten path places and enjoy the rich and
vibrant local culture.

Community Service
Students will help refurbish a local non-government facility that is home to the disabled,
many of whom are talented artists and craftspeople living and working together. Projects
include teaching English and computer skills to Balinese youth at an educational training school, working at a local clinic, or participating in environmental campaigns against
plastic. Community service will be your opportunity to interact with the local people and
get a closer look at the culture and daily life of the Balinese.

Hands-on Learning

21-DAY FLAGSHIP
PROGRAM
June 26 - July 16
July 17 - August 6
Tuition: $4,395
Service Hours: 45
14- DAY PROGRAM
July 17 - July 30
Tuition: $ 3,195
Service Hours: 30

We will learn about the intersection of traditional spirituality and ecological sustainability
and how that is expressed through the arts. We’ll do hands-on workshops on Balinese
Gamelan music, Kecek dance, and mask-making and meet with community leaders to
learn about issues facing the community. You’ll learn first-hand about life as a small scale
farmer by working in the rice fields and spend time with peasant farmers’ families. The
program is uniquely suited to learn about leadership. Our leadership sessions are designed to enrich your capacity to create change in your own communities. We believe that
the Balinese people embody leadership in their daily lives, and we will use this learning for
our “living leadership” workshops.

Lodging

Adventure

Schedule

The entire Bali journey will be an adventure. We will be staying in Ubud, the cultural arts
capital of Bali, and also the town featured in the book and movie Eat, Pray, Love. Ubud is
renowned for the arts, especially mask makers, traditional healers, dance, music, and other
craftsmen. The Balinese culture is based on living harmoniously with the natural world, and
you will get a “behind the scenes” tour while you trek through luscious rice paddies, visit
remote temple sites, snorkel through the coral reef with dolphins, and raft down the river
overlooking massive canyons.

The GLA Home Base is a traditional Balinese compound with a courtyard surrounded by individual rooms.
Students will share a room with one or two other students
of the same gender.

Mornings are spent volunteering, afternoons are full of
cultural activities, and weekends are spent exploring the
surrounding area.
Download a day-by-day schedule at
experienceGLA.com/info

+ 1 858 771 0645 25
www.experienceGLA.com

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CHINA

Mandarin & Service Adventure

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ΩΩIntensive Mandarin language instruction Ω Discover Shanghai, the business capital, and Beijing, the
political capital Ω Hike the Great Wall of China Ω Visit the Forbidden City Ω Learn Chinese cooking and
calligraphy Ω Shop at the Pearl Market Ω Experience the majesty of rural and urban China
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From forbidden cities to language learning,
a full spectrum Chinese adventure
This GLA Language Program integrates Mandarin into all its aspects – community service, excursions, and cultural events.
It is a unique immersion curriculum designed by GLA. Our experienced teachers use classroom time to prepare students
to speak Mandarin in everyday situations in China. It is an experience you cannot get sitting in a Mandarin class in school.

CHINA

This program is uniquely designed for students to come away with a deep understanding of China and its complexity.
Students will explore Beijing, the political and cultural capital of China, as well as Shanghai, the center of Asian commerce. From its neon lights and massive skyscrapers to the centuries old castles and gates that still stand in the city, it
is clear why Beijing is considered one of the world’s greatest cities. You will also visit the semi-rural countryside in the
historic Mentougou District, nestled in a mountainous region located two hours outside Beijing.

Community Service
You will engage in community service only during the second and third week of the
program. During those weeks, for approximately two hours each morning, you will teach
conversational English to students. This is a great way to provide a valuable service and
to interact with regular Chinese people. In the Mentougou District you will volunteer on
local farms, working in the fields plowing and harvesting. Here you will learn how the
rural population maintains their traditional way of life and how they are coping with the
vast changes caused by modernization and industrialization. Through interaction with
farmers and students, you will make new friends and learn the Chinese perspective on
world issues.

The primary focus of this program is to enable Mandarin language acquisition. On the
first day students will take a placement exam to determine their Mandarin level: Beginner,
Intermediate, or Advanced. Each weekday for the first two weeks students will take
language courses based on their level. The program has also been designed to provide
a theoretical overview of what’s happening in China today through a mix of sessions on
culture, politics, economy, and traditional art. Students will have approximately 60 hours
of language immersion.

Adventure
During the first weekend, we’ll take an overnight high-speed train to Shanghai – the exciting, bustling business center of China. We’ll spend the weekend exploring this high-tech
city. The following weekend we will venture to the Great Wall of China. During the week,
we’ll discover the marvels in Beijing such as Tiananmen Square, the 798 Arts District, the
Olympic greens, The Forbidden City, The Temple of Heaven, the Summer Palace and various
other temples and places of cultural significance.

Lodging
During the first two weeks in Beijing, the GLA Home Base
is located on the campus of a local university. You’ll live
with 2-3 other students of the same gender and have a private bathroom. In the rural area, we’ll stay at a local guest
house and dorm with other students.

Schedule
The first week consists of intensive Mandarin classes and
getting to know Beijing, the second week introduces more
cultural activities and community service, and the third
week takes place in a rural area outside of Beijing.
Download a day-by-day schedule at
experienceGLA.com/info

+ 1 858 771 0645 27
www.experienceGLA.com

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CHINA

History Meets Globalization ™

ΩΩHike the Great Wall of China Ω Visit the Forbidden City Ω Learn Chinese cooking and calligraphy Ω Shop at the Pearl
Market Ω Contrast rural and urban China

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Find yourself at the intersection
of history and modernity
in this country of contrasts
A 5,000 year old civilization with a billion people collides with Communism and globalization and creates hyper economic
growth – forging one of the most dynamic and important countries of the 21st century.

CHINA

This program is designed for students to develop a deep understanding of China and its complexity. Students will explore
Beijing, the political and cultural capital of China, from its neon lights and massive skyscrapers to the centuries old castles
and temples. You will also visit the semi-rural countryside two hours outside Beijing. Throughout the program you’ll have
a chance to discuss globalization in relation to strong historical and traditional customs.

Community Service
For approximately two hours each morning, you will teach conversational English to
students. This is a great way to provide a valuable service and to interact with regular
Chinese people. In the Mentougou District you will volunteer on local farms, working in
the fields plowing and harvesting. Here you will learn how the rural population maintains
their traditional way of life and how they are coping with the vast changes caused by modernization and industrialization. Through interaction with farmers and students, you will
make new friends and learn the Chinese perspective on world issues.

Hands-on Learning

14-DAY PROGRAM
July 3 - July 16
July 24 - August 6
Tuition: $3,195
Service hours: 20

The program is an overview of China today through a mix of sessions on politics, history,
culture, economy, and traditional art. We’ll visit temples, markets, pagodas and places of
historical, cultural, and political significance. We’ll engage in debate about the issues facing modern day China. This program will also allow for a Mandarin Chinese course based
on your level. On the first day students will take a placement exam to determine their
Mandarin level: Beginning, Intermediate, or Advanced. For the first five days, students
will take a language course based on their level. During the second week of the program
students will be able to use their language skills while doing service work on the farms and
with local Chinese students.

Adventure
We will venture to the Great Wall, built between the 5th century and the 16th century, and is
the only man-made structure visible from space. We will visit Tiananmen Square, the largest
city square in the world and site of the 1989 hunger strikes and protests. We will also visit
the 798 Arts District, home to some of China’s most avant-garde artists and exhibits, the
Forbidden City, The Temple of Heaven, the Summer Palace and various other temples and
palaces of historical significance.

Lodging
In Beijing, you will stay on the GLA Home Base located on
the campus of a local university. You’ll live in a dorm room
with 2-3 other students of the same gender and will have
a private bathroom. In the rural area, you’ll stay at a local
guest house and dorm with other students.

Schedule
Spend a week exploring Beijing in the mornings, volunteering in the afternoon, and doing cultural activities in the
evening. The second week is spent in a rural area outside
of Beijing volunteering in the morning and getting to know
the villagers in the afternoons.
Download a day-by-day schedule at
experienceGLA.com/info

Discover a great civilization
from majestic Himalayan peaks
to the Taj Majal
High tech parks sit next to ancient Hindu temples; majestic architecture lines streets filled with meandering cattle.
This is India, your destination: as much a culturally-rich, ancient civilization as an economic and political juggernaut on
the world stage.

INDIA

Students journey from majestic Himalayan peaks, rural villages and mountain towns all the way to Delhi, the nation’s
capital. We’ll end our voyage with a visit to the Taj Mahal, designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, engaging in meaningful community service and meeting pioneers of service along the way.

Community Service
During the first week of the program, you will volunteer with farmers, working in the fields
and experiencing life in the mountains. The second week, we will volunteer with an environmental non-profit organization in the Tibetan town of Dharamsala, raising awareness
of environmental issues in the Himalayas. During the third week we will join innovative
non-profits in New Delhi working with impoverished children; we will teach English, arts &
crafts and share our culture with them.

Hands-on Learning

21-DAY
FLAGSHIP PROGRAM
June 26 - July 16
July 17 - August 6
Tuition: $4,395
Service hours: 60

During the program, we’ll learn about the diversity of Indian culture, pressing social issues
and India’s role on the global stage. You will have the opportunity to converse with grassroots leaders, environmental activists, and local political figures. Because we’ll spend
time in a Tibetan refugee town, you’ll also learn about Tibetan Buddhism, arts, and music.
You’ll taste the flavors of Indian and Tibetan cuisine and even learn to cook some meals.

Adventure
The journey begins and ends in Delhi. We’ll travel by sleeper bus into the Indian
Himalayas, one of the most visually stunning regions on earth. We’ll then hike out to
a remote village where we will work with farmers for four days. We then descend to
Dharamsala where we will learn about the struggle of the Tibetan refugee community,
meet their leaders, and engage in cultural exchange with the children. Then we head to
Delhi for a few days of volunteering and to learn about contemporary India. We will end
our journey by seeing “the jewel of India,” the Taj Mahal. By exploring the rural and urban
areas, you’ll get a deeper understanding of India.

Lodging
In the Himalayan village, we will camp for four nights as a group,
along with our chef, medic, and guides. In Dharamsala, the GLA
Home Base is a large house where our staff and students will
live together in shared rooms and enjoy home-cooked meals
made from local organic produce. The nights in Delhi and in Agra
(where the Taj Mahal is located) will be in hotels.

Schedule
Camp in a Himalayan village for four days, spend a week in the
Tibetan exile mountain town of Dharamsala, and a week in the
capital of Delhi and the area around the Taj Mahal.
Download a day-by-day schedule at
experienceGLA.com/info

+ 1 858 771 0645 31
www.experienceGLA.com

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CHINA & INDIA

Giants of the 21st Century ™

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ΩΩLearn first-hand how both countries see their role in the world Ω Compare and contrast notions of human
rights, democracy, and economic development Ω Discover the Great Wall and the Taj Mahal Ω Enjoy a
potpourri of cultural experiences such as food, music, and arts
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Get a rare glimpse
into the two greatest emerging
economies of the century
CHINA & INDIA

China and India have quickly become two of the most important countries on the global stage. What happens in these
countries affects people all over the world - from environmental issues to policy and global commerce. However, neither
nation is well-understood by Westerners. Join us on an in-depth exploration of both countries in a quest to understand
each society from the ground up. By volunteering and learning first-hand from grassroots leaders, you’ll gain a deep
understanding of the complexity, dynamism, and cultural richness of each country.

Community Service
In China, you will teach conversational English to students two hours a day. This is a great
way to provide a valuable service and to interact with regular Chinese people. You also
will volunteer on local farms, working in the fields plowing and harvesting. Here you will
learn how the rural population maintains their traditional way of life and how they are coping with the vast changes caused by modernization and industrialization. During your first
week in India, you will volunteer with farmers, working in the fields and experiencing life in
the mountains. The second week in India, we will volunteer with an environmental nonprofit organization in the Tibetan town of Dharamsala, raising awareness of environmental
issues in the Himalayas. During the third week we will join innovative non-profits in New
Delhi working with impoverished children; we will teach English, arts & crafts and share
our culture with them.

Hands-on Learning
35-DAY
FLAGSHIP PROGRAM
July 3 - August 6
Tuition: $6,995 *
Service hours: 80
*One-way airfare from Beijing
to New Delhi needs to be
purchased separately.

The program is an overview of contemporary China and India through a mix of sessions
on politics, history, culture, economy, and traditional art. We’ll go out everyday to visit
temples, markets, pagodas and places of historical, cultural, and political significance.
We’ll compare and contrast the issues facing modern day China and India, their roles on
the global stage, Indian and Chinese culture, and pressing social issues. You will have the
opportunity to converse with grassroots leaders, environmental activists, and local political figures. In India, because we’ll spend time in a Tibetan refugee town, we’ll learn about
the Tibetan government in exile and visit the Dalai Lama’s temple. In China, you will have
a Mandarin Chinese course based on your level (Basic, Intermediated, Advanced).

Adventure
This journey of a lifetime starts with a week in Beijing learning about Chinese culture and
politics. We visit the Great Wall over the weekend and then move to a rural area outside of
Beijing for a week. From China, you fly to New Delhi, India where you will travel up to the
Himalayas for two weeks and then spend a week in Delhi and the area around the Taj Mahal.

Lodging
In Beijing, the GLA Home Base is located on the campus
of a local university. You’ll live in a dorm room with 2-3
students and have a private bathroom and shower. In
the rural area, you’ll stay at a local guest house. In the
Himalayas, we will camp for four nights, along with our
chef, medic, and guides. In Dharamsala, the GLA Home
Base is a large house where students will share rooms.

Schedule
A week in Beijing, a week in a rural area outside of Beijing,
followed by three weeks exploring the Indian Himalayas
and New Delhi.
Download a day-by-day schedule at
experienceGLA.com/info

+ 1 858 771 0645 33
www.experienceGLA.com

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+ 1 858 771 0645 35
www.experienceGLA.com

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GALAPAGOS

Preserving Nature’s Wonders ™

ΩVolunteer
Ω
to restore the habitat of native Galapagos wildlife Ω Snorkel with sea lions and multi-colored exotic fish Ω Zip36
line through forest tree-tops Ω Kayak around untouched islands and see animals up close Ω Visit the Charles Darwin Research
Station Ω Meet Lonesome George, the rarest tortoise in the world Ω Wander the cobblestone streets of colonial Quito
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Live alongside exotic marine life in one
of the last untouched places on earth
Come and experience one of the world’s most pristine natural environments, and do your part to preserve it for future generations.
The 19 Galapagos Islands, located off the coast of Ecuador, are so unique that UNESCO has designated it a World Heritage Site.
While the archipelago has been the center of attention from conservationists around the world, it is under constant pressure from
environmental threats. Come help restore the habitat of the animals whose existence is under threat.
You will also experience the islands’ natural wonders: hike lava fields, snorkel with seals, and explore islands, volcanoes, and reefs.

Community Service
Of the nine days you spend on the Galapagos Islands, five will consist of community service. The other four days in the Galapagos will not include community service; they will focus on exploring the islands and learning about the biology and geology of the archipelago.
The native wildlife of the islands is in danger because the animals’ natural habitat is under
attack by invasive plants, litter, and foreign species. Students work to restore the natural
habitat of the animals so that they can reproduce and grow. Our projects are in partnership with tortoise breeding centers on the islands of San Cristobal and Isabela.

14-DAY PROGRAM
June 18 - July 1
July 2 - July 15
July 9 - July 22
July 16 - July 29
July 23 - August 5
July 30 - August 12
Tuition: $3,495 +
$430 flight supplement*
Service hours: 20
* The $430 domestic flight
supplement covers roundtrip
airfare from Quito to the
Galapagos Islands and includes
$110 of taxes, fees and permits paid upon arrival at the
Galapagos airport.

Throughout the program, you will be in a “living classroom.” We will learn about issues
related to the challenges of balancing the needs of humans with the imperative for biological protection and preservation. You will also witness first-hand the diversity of species
that led Darwin to formulate his thinking on natural selection and adaptation. The entire
journey will shed light into the history of these islands, human interaction and habitation,
and the struggle to conserve the wildlife and fauna of this area.

Adventure
This journey is the experience of a lifetime. Not simply because of the rich and varied
diversity of animals that you will see or their staggering numbers, but also because of their
sublime indifference to you while observing them. Giant tortoises – including the legendary
Lonesome George, the last of his species on earth – roam freely. Blue-footed boobies perch
on rocks. A mind-boggling array of creatures lives in a paradise of crystal blue waters, white
beaches and cool mangrove stands. Students will hike up to a volcano and explore the second largest crater in the entire world. We will swim through lagoons, snorkel through reefs
and see varied wildlife that you have only read about.

Lodging
While in the Galapagos Islands our Home Base is a small
hotel run out of the home of a local family. It is similar
to a bed & breakfast; our students will share a room with
one roommate. Students and staff eat meals with the
local family. The family will share their home, culture and
personal experiences of living on the islands with us.

GALAPAGOS

Hands-on Learning

Schedule
Spend a day exploring Quito, followed by six days on a less
populated island in the Galapagos, then four days touring
the archipelago and then end with a zip-line through the
forests outside Quito before returning home.
Download a detailed day-by-day schedule at
www.experienceGLA.com/info

+ 1 858 771 0645 37
www.experienceGLA.com

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PERU

Service in the Sacred Valley

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ΩΩVolunteer to better the health and education of children Ω Bike through the Sacred Valley Ω Visit key
archaeological sites of the Inca Empire Ω Whitewater raft through the Andes mountains Ω Hike to the lost
city of Machu Picchu!
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The ancient Inca Empire
is yours to discover while making
a difference in the lives of families
Discover Cusco, the heart of the ancient Inca Empire, a 5,000 year old civilization shrouded in mystery and tradition.
Volunteer with non-profit organizations that work to improve the health and well-being of indigenous children. On the
weekends, explore the Sacred Valley by bike, raft and even hike to the lost city of Machu Picchu.

Community Service
Our community service projects focus on improving public health of women and children. You will have a choice of which service site you work at. At one site, we work with a
project to build clean burning stoves to improve respiratory health of women and children.
We also plant traditional medicinal plants so rural families can treat illness, and plant
vegetable gardens to combat malnutrition in children. At the other site, we volunteer at a
village school, helping to build and re-paint classrooms.

Hands-on Learning

14-DAY PROGRAM
July 1 - July 14
Tuition: $3,195
Service hours: 30

Adventure
The Sacred Valley surrounding Cusco is full of archeological marvels built by the Inca
Empire. We’ll visit many of these famous sites and even hike the Inca Trail to the lost city of
Machu Picchu. On our 21-day flagship program, you’ll also spend a weekend delving deep
into the Sacred Valley by visiting ancient ruins on bicycles, camping in the hills and whitewater rafting down rivers winding through the Andes Mountains. We’ll also visit Pisac, one of
Peru’s largest handicraft markets.

PERU

21-DAY
FLAGSHIP PROGRAM
July 15 - August 4
Tuition: $4,395
Service hours: 50

The Quechua people of the Peruvian Andes are the direct descendents of the Inca Empire.
We will learn first-hand about their unique and rich culture through Andean music and
dance workshops, a Quechua language crash course, talks on Andean cosmology and
meetings with traditional healers. Informally, you’ll experience the local culture through
soccer games with local youth, meetings with farmers and engaging discussions with nonprofit organizations.

Lodging
The GLA Home Base is located in Cusco in a beautiful
lodge equipped with a cafeteria and auditorium. One wing
of the lodge is reserved exclusively for GLA. There are two
students per room with a private bathroom. On the 21-Day
Flagship Program, we will camp in tents provided by GLA
during one weekend.

Schedule
Live in Cusco and volunteer in a nearby rural community
during the week, visit archaeological and natural wonders
on the weekends.
Download a detailed day-by-day schedule at:
www.experienceGLA.com/info

+ 1 858 771 0645 39
www.experienceGLA.com

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+ 1 858 771 0645 41
www.experienceGLA.com

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COSTA RICA

Nature’s Kaleidoscope ™

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ΩΩExperience massive biodiversity Ω Zip-line through the forest Ω Hike up to the crater of a volcano
Ω Live in an untouched beachfront community Ω Live in a remote biological research station Ω Volunteer at an
impoverished village primary school Ω Whitewater raft down a roaring river Ω Build trails in pristine cloud forests
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Five unique ecosystems.
One adventure.
See it with your own eyes.
We’re based in the Guanacaste Conservation Area – one of the most unique places on earth, with so much biodiversity that UNESCO, a UN body, named it a World Heritage Site. The conservation area, located directly on top of the
Continental Divide, is where the Atlantic and Pacific ecosystems collide to create a natural kaleidoscope unmatched
anywhere else in the world. The area is home to 140 species of mammals, 300 species of birds, 100 species of amphibians
and reptiles, and over 10,000 species of insects.

Community Service
The first project is up in the cloud forest on the slopes of the Guanacaste mountain range.
We will clear trails through the wild cloud forest to prevent degradation by hikers and other
visitors, and go out with biologists to collect species as part of a larger research project
going on in the national park. The second project takes place in an impoverished community of farmers and fishermen. We will volunteer at a local school teaching English, sports
or arts & crafts. In addition, we will assist in projects to improve the school’s infrastructure, such as building a playground or an outdoor basketball court.

Hands-on Learning
20-DAY PROGRAM
June 25 - July 14
July 7 - July 26
July 19 - August 7
Tuition: $3,995
Service hours: 40

You will explore five distinct ecosystems (marine, mangroves, dry forest, cloud forest, and
rain forest), and be able to compare and contrast them. While living up in the forest, we’ll
examine issues related to water, public health, and ecological conservation. Along the way,
you’ll also learn how to identify flora and fauna of the region. The last ten days of the program, we’ll live in a rural coastal community and see first-hand the challenges they face with
regard to access to natural resources. You’ll also learn about Costa Rican culture, including
dance, music, and social issues.

Adventure

During the first ten days, the Home Base is located at a
biological research station in the cloud forest. You’ll sleep
in a simple, gender-segregated bunkhouse, with four bunk
beds per room and shared bathrooms. During the last ten
days, the Home Base is a small lodge located near a tropical beach community surrounded by farmland on one side
and a private beach and swimming pool on the other.

Schedule
One week in the cloud forest, ten days on the coast, and
three days of adventure such as rafting, zip-lining, and
horseback riding.
Download a day-by-day schedule at
experienceGLA.com/info
+ 1 858 771 0645

COSTA RICA

The huge range of ecosystems concentrated in a relatively small geographic area provides
a vast array of exciting outdoor adventures. We’ll explore the forests by hiking, whitewater
rafting, zip lining and horseback riding. You’ll also hike up a volcano, camp on an untouched
beach, bathe underneath a waterfall, as well as ride horses through a jungle paradise.

Lodging

43

www.experienceGLA.com

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COSTA RICA

Spanish & Service Adventure

44

2011catalog_carol.indd 44

ΩΩVolunteer at an impoverished school Ω Learn Spanish while serving a community Ω Camp on the beach
and learn to surf Ω Zip line through the rain forest Ω Ride down roaring rivers on inner tubes and rafts Ω
Hike to the crater of a volcano
11/15/10 3:57 PM

On this adventure, you’ll learn all
of the important Spanish words for:
climb, zip, hike, swim, serve!
Over three weeks, catapult your Spanish skills to the next level while volunteering at rural schools, studying the language,
and enjoying the breathtaking biodiversity of Costa Rica. In our off-time, hike to waterfalls, try your hand at surfing, snorkel through crystal blue waters and coral reefs, and relax on pristine white sand beaches.

Community Service
You will volunteer every weekday morning at an elementary school in a rural, impoverished area teaching arts, crafts, sports or basic English. This will allow you to help the
children of the community while also practicing your Spanish language skills. Most importantly, you will be a friend and role model to young children who have limited exposure to
the rest of the world.

Hands-on Learning
There’s no better way to learn Spanish than living in the country and practicing with local
children, while being coached in the classroom by experienced teachers. Designed for
high school students, our GLA Experiential Language Curriculum ™ seamlessly integrates
language into many aspects of the program, including community service and cultural
activities. Our unique combination of classes and community service allows beginners
to quickly learn the basics and gives advanced speakers the confidence to use their skills
with native speakers. Students will have 45 hours of language immersion. In addition to
language, you’ll also learn about Costa Rica culture through workshops on dance, cooking,
music and social issues.

Adventure
We’ll get out and explore the tropical countryside and experience the vast array of natural
wonders in Costa Rica. You will hike to a hidden waterfall, climb a volcano, ride horses, zip
line through lush forests, ride river rapids, and spend time on pristine beaches. We’ll even
camp out on the beach one night and scout for breeding sea turtles.

The GLA Home Base is a large stately house in the sleepy
town of La Cruz. It is perched on a hill overlooking the
Pacific Ocean. Students will stay in gender-segregated
rooms with two bunk beds and a private bathroom in each
room. In the afternoons, you can cool down after a day of
work in our swimming pool.

21-DAY LANGUAGE
PROGRAM
June 26 - July 16
July 21 - August 10
Tuition: $4,395
Service hours: 45

Lodging

+ 1 858 771 0645 45
www.experienceGLA.com

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COSTA RICA

Cloud Forest Expedition ™

Ω46
ΩLive in a remote biological research station Ω Forge trails in a pristine cloud forest Ω Learn to identify species of flora and
fauna Ω Discover ancient rock carvings Ω Whitewater raft down a roaring river
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Live in a scientific research station
in a cloud forest teeming with wildlife
Our Home Base for this expedition is a scientific research station nestled on the side of an inactive volcano in the
Guanacaste Conservation Area. This area is home to 140 species of mammals, 300 species of birds, 100 species of amphibians and reptiles, and over 10,000 species of insects.
Blaze your own trails and learn directly from biologists doing work in this national park. We end the experience with a
whitewater rafting trip through a forest, and a day at the beach to unwind and reflect on the experience.

Community Service
The volunteer project is up in a cloud forest in the Guanacaste Conservation Area. In the
mornings, we will clear trails through the wild cloud forest to prevent degradation by hikers and other visitors. We may also clear debris, make trail signs and help out with other
general maintenance work. A couple of afternoons we’ll go out with biologists to collect
species as part of a larger research project going on in the national park.

Hands-on Learning
10-DAY PROGRAM
June 25 - July 4
July 7 - July 16
July 19 - July 28
July 31 - August 9
Tuition: $1,995
Service hours: 20

You will experience five distinct ecosystems and be able to compare and contrast each
one. While living up in the forest, we’ll examine issues related to water, public health, and
ecological conservation. Working firsthand in a watershed area is the perfect setting to
discuss the global water crisis and its affect on impoverished communities. Along the
way, you’ll also learn about taxonomy and learn to identify flora and fauna of the region.

Adventure

The GLA Home Base will be a biological research station
located deep in the park, accessible only by 4x4 vehicles.
We’ll be based 2,100 feet above sea level, tucked on the
side of the inactive Orosi volcano. We’ll live in a bunkhouse, with four bunk beds per room and shared bathrooms. For safety purposes, there will always be a 4x4
vehicle on standby in case of an emergency.

Schedule
Live in a biological research station deep in a cloud forest
for six days, then spend a couple of days living in a rural
community on the coast.
Download a day-by-day schedule at
experienceGLA.com/info

COSTA RICA

The huge range of ecosystems concentrated in a relatively small geographic area provides
a vast array of exciting outdoor adventures. We’ll explore the forests by hiking, bird watching and checking out some ancient rock carvings. After living up in cloud forest, we’ll also
spend a day down at the beach interacting with children from the community. On our last
full day in Costa Rica, we’ll go whitewater rafting down the roaring Tenorio River!

Lodging

+ 1 858 771 0645 47
www.experienceGLA.com

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COSTA RICA

Beachside Service Adventure

Ω48
ΩLive steps from an untouched beach Ω Ride inner tubes down a jungle river Ω Hike up to the crater of a volcano
Ω Volunteer at an impoverished primary school Ω Zip-line through the forest
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From the jungle to the classroom,
experience all Costa Rica has to offer,
and all you have to offer her
Its name captures the richness of its nature and its spirit, but words pale in comparison to the real thing. Join us on the
shores of the Pacific where you’ll volunteer at schools in underserved communities, helping to improve the education of
the local children. Along the way, you’ll learn more about Costa Rican culture and experience exciting excursions along
beaches, volcanoes, forests and waterfalls.

Community Service
We’re living and working in an impoverished community where most people are farmers or fishermen. We’ll be working at the school where the local children study. We will
teach English, sports or arts & crafts. In addition, we will assist in projects to improve the
school’s infrastructure, such as building a playground or an outdoor basketball court. We’ll
occasionally provide after-school activities for the children at a nearby beach.

Hands-on Learning
Living in an authentic community is a great way to learn about Costa Rican culture. You’ll
spend the afternoon with a local family, learn to dance salsa and cumbia, try exotic fruits
and learn about current social issues in Costa Rica.

Adventure

Lodging
The GLA Home Base is just a stone’s throw away from the
beach. We are located in a rural authentic community that
most travelers never see. Each room in the GLA Home
Base is gender-segregated, has two bunk beds and a private bathroom. There is an eating area that looks out over
the ocean where we’ll have meals and meetings. To cool
off, students can take a dip in the large swimming pool or
in the ocean.

Schedule
Experience the beach daily and volunteer at schools in a
rural community. Spend a day river tubing, zip-lining and
horseback riding in a town at the base of a nearby volcano.
Download a day-by-day schedule at
experienceGLA.com/info

COSTA RICA

10-DAY PROGRAM
June 23 - July 2
July 5 - July 14
July 17 - July 26
July 29 - August 7
August 10 - August 19
Tuition: $1,995
Service hours: 20

Costa Rica offers many exciting excursions in a natural setting. We’ll ride inner tubes
down a roaring river, zip line through a forest and soak in a natural hot springs. We’ll
also hike up an active volcano, play volleyball on a pristine beach, as well as ride horses
through a jungle paradise.

Dive deep into issues in environmental
sustainability and develop leadership
skills to address humanity’s greatest
environmental challenges
Led by Dave Addison, our expert director, who holds his PhD in Global Sustainability, the group will meet with major NGOs and
local leaders who are making great progress on sustainability in the Caribbean. You will be given the tools and support to design
your own project as you collaborate with your peers to determine ways to empower change in a Dominican community, as well as
in your home communities. You will evaluate the role of natural resources in your life and determine the vital purpose they play in
the future of the world.

Community Service
Our group will volunteer on various sustainability projects throughout the country including the construction of biomass stoves in rural communities, installation of water filtration
devices and solar energy systems, and assisting in the development of agriculture and reforestation systems. In addition, you can share your talents doing arts and crafts, playing
sports and games, and teaching basic conversational English with local children that our
group will meet along the way. We’ll even visit a Haitian refugee camp and brighten the
lives of those who have lost everything and now live in the Dominican Republic.

Hands-on Learning

21-DAY
FLAGSHIP PROGRAM
July 9 – July 29
Tuition: $4,395
Service hours: 60

Students will explore topics in environmental sustainability, the most critical issue of the
21st century. Through the service work and seminars, you will learn for yourself how to
envision and change your life to become more sustainable. When we travel through the
country, we’ll meet with officials from the UN, international NGOs, and grassroots organizations that are all working on the issue of sustainability. You’ll witness projects that will
inspire you to delve deeper into this topic. You will also learn about the vibrant Dominican
culture through music, dance and food.

We’ll get out and explore the tropical countryside through long hikes out to a chain of hidden
waterfalls and remote villages. We’ll ride a catamaran in the Caribbean, zip line through
virgin rain forest, snorkel through crystal blue waters and coral reefs, and sunbathe on pristine white sand beaches. In addition, we will explore urban life in the colonial capital, Santo
Domingo. The Dominican Republic is an ideal place for those looking for fun and adventure
in the sun, while making a difference.

The GLA Home Base , 30 minutes east of Puerto Plata,
along the north coast, is a gorgeous beachfront cluster of
chalets around a swimming pool near the beach. There is
a thatched roof dining area. Students will share a bedroom with one other student. Each bedroom has a private
bathroom. Food will be healthy, locally-grown organic food
consisting of meats, beans, rice, vegetables, and fruit.

Schedule
Weekdays are spent volunteering in the morning and
learning about sustainability in the afternoons. Three-day
weekends are used to explore other parts of the island.
Download a day-by-day schedule at
experienceGLA.com/info

DOMINICAN Rep.

Adventure

Lodging

+ 1 858 771 0645 51
www.experienceGLA.com

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DOMINICAN REPUBLIC

Caribbean Community Development

ΩΩPlay a key role in ecologically-sustainable development projects Ω Hike through lush hills to hidden waterfalls Ω Snorkel
52
among
multi-colored fish Ω Ride a catamaran over crystal blue waters Ω Witness up-close the roles of dance, folklore and
baseball in this society
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Appreciate the beauty of the island
and its people; be part of sustainable
solutions to end its poverty
To most visitors, the Dominican Republic is a travel destination famous for its enchanting resorts and beaches, as well as
its friendly and vibrant people. But this Spanish-speaking country on the Caribbean island of Hispaniola is also a destination ripe for positive change.
You’ll spend ten days working directly with impoverished rural communities to better their lives: in the mountains, helping
to build their water systems and homes, and in the lowlands, contributing to reforestation projects. Unmatched natural
beauty and human interaction will allow you to share in the spirit and strength of the Dominican people.

Community Service
Students will volunteer in rural and urban communities working on sustainable projects
such as reforestation, construction of biomass stoves, and installation of water filtration systems. Students will also work with local children at refugee camps, sharing their
talents doing arts and crafts, playing sports and games, and teaching basic conversational
English. Most importantly, you will be a friend and role model to young children who have
limited exposure to the rest of the world.

Hands-on Learning

Adventure
We’ll get out and explore the tropical countryside through long hikes out to a chain of hidden
waterfalls, ride a catamaran over the blue Caribbean sea, and check out the pristine white
sand beaches and remote mountain villages.

Lodging
The GLA Home Base, 20 minutes east of Puerto Plata
along the north coast, is a gorgeous beachfront cluster of
chalets around a swimming pool near the beach. There is
a thatched roof dining area. Students will share a bedroom with one other student. Each bedroom has a private
bathroom. Food will be healthy, locally-grown organic food
consisting of meats, beans, rice, vegetables, and fruit.

Schedule
Mornings are spent volunteering and afternoons are
used for exploration, reflection and hands-on learning
about sustainability.
Download a day-by-day schedule at
experienceGLA.com/info

DOMINICAN Rep.

10-DAY PROGRAM
June 30 – July 9
July 12 – July 21
July 24 – August 2
August 5 – August 14
Tuition: $2,195
Service hours: 30

Sustainable development has become a necessity for all of humanity. We must learn to
live in harmony with our environment. Through the service work and seminars, you will
learn for yourself how to envision and think about the home and life of your family. While
living sustainably we will work to empower each other to become more sustainable in our
practices. We will also learn about the vibrant Dominican culture – a mix of indigenous,
African, and European - through music and dance and interactions with locals living in the
villages and coastal communities.

+ 1 858 771 0645 53
www.experienceGLA.com

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DOMINICAN REPUBLIC

Spring Break Service Adventure

54

ΩΩRide a catamaran over crystal blue waters Ω Hike to hidden waterfalls Ω Soak up the rhythms of the Caribbean
Ω Lend a hand in the community

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Spring Break will always be fun…
but meaningful, too?
The Dominican Republic is home to the world’s most enchanting beaches, and is well known for its friendly
and passionate people.
You’ll spend the week helping impoverished rural communities and also enjoy some fun in the sun hiking to waterfalls,
riding a catamaran in the Caribbean, snorkeling through crystal blue waters and coral reefs, and relaxing on pristine
white sand beaches.

Community Service
Students will volunteer in rural communities in the mountains overlooking the coast. The
service projects revolve around sustainable community development that improves the
environment and the lives of the local people. You’ll build biomass stoves, plant trees and
help rebuild shack homes. Along the way, you’ll become a friend to local children and
engage in meaningful cultural exchange.

Hands-on Learning
The Dominican Republic has a rich culture that combines African, indigenous and
European traditions. You’ll experience it in a way that most travelers never get to see.
We’ll experience the culture by connecting directly with Dominicans through music, and
dance and sports. In addition, you’ll gain a deep understanding of sustainability and how
development can happen in harmony with the environment.
8-DAY PROGRAM
April 16 - April 23
April 23 - April 30
Tuition: $1,695
Service hours: 30

Adventure
Spring Break promises to be an action-packed week full of activities such as hiking to waterfalls, ziplining through forests, cruising the ocean, and snorkeling in clear Caribbean waters.
Although a lot of fun, all these outdoor activities are connected to learning about environmental sustainability.

Lodging

Schedule
Mornings are spent volunteering and afternoons are used
for unwinding and hands-on learning about sustainability.
Download a day-by-day schedule at
experienceGLA.com/info

DOMINICAN Rep.

The GLA Home Base is a gorgeous beachfront cluster of
chalets around a swimming pool near the beach. There is
a thatched roof dining area. Students will share a bedroom with one other student. Each bedroom has a private
bathroom. Food will be healthy, locally-grown organic food
consisting of meats, beans, rice, vegetables, and fruit.

+ 1 858 771 0645 55
www.experienceGLA.com

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GUATEMALA

Spanish, Service & Mayan Culture

56

2011catalog_carol.indd 56

ΩΩTake your Spanish to the next level Ω Hike to the crater of a dormant volcano Ω Explore exciting works
of indigenous art Ω Sample coffees straight from the source on an organic coffee plantation Ω Meet a
traditional Mayan shaman
11/15/10 3:59 PM

Where ancient civilization and vibrant
modern culture combine,
your language skills will soar
Step directly into the 4,000 year old world of the Maya: a civilization rich with history, art, culture, and breathtaking mountain
scenery. In Guatemala, you’ll learn first-hand about how Mayan traditions have both evolved and been preserved through a
combination of globalization, civil wars and subsequent peace accords; see how grassroots community leaders are working to
preserve their culture; get a glimpse of the complex relationships between Central America and the rest of the world.
This GLA Language Program integrates the Spanish language learning into all aspects of the experience, allowing students
to take away more of the culture, and also leave more behind. From community service, to excursions, and cultural events,
language is given a new context. Spanish class will never be the same.

Community Service
You will spend the week volunteering at a local school refurbishing it and working with the
children. The school is unique in that it is run by Mayan teachers and actively promotes indigenous language and culture. You will help out fixing up the school, painting or building the
classrooms or organizing games with the students. In addition, you can share your talents
doing arts and crafts, playing sports and games, and teaching basic conversational English.

Hands-on Learning

Adventure
Through the three weeks, we’ll embark on a range of adventures and visit many small towns
and villages along the way. Over the weekends we’ll visit Lake Atitlan, the Mayan market
town Chichicastenango, archaeological ruins at Takalik Abaj, organic coffee farms, and the
sacred Laguna Chicabal, located on the top of a dormant volcano. During the weekdays,
we’ll meet with a traditional music group, visit a Mayan artist’s studio, try our hand at weaving colorful textiles and meet inspirational grassroots leaders. At the end of the program,
we’ll spend a day in the charming colonial town of Antigua.

Lodging
The GLA Home Base is a mountain lodge located on the
outskirts of Xela. It offers students a peaceful escape as
they are surrounded by beautiful countryside and majestic
mountains. Students and staff live in rooms with 2-3 bunk
beds per room.

Schedule
Start and end the program in Antigua. Spend three weeks in
Xela, volunteering in the mornings and cultural activities and
language instruction in the afternoons. Weekend excursions
to spectacular Mayan towns and important cultural sites.
Download a day-by-day schedule at
experienceGLA.com/info

GUATEMALA

21-DAY LANGUAGE
PROGRAM
July 16 – August 5
Tuition: $4,395
Service hours: 60

Learning Spanish is best when you’ll be able to practice it with native speakers in everyday
conversation. Spanish is integrated into most aspects of the program – community service, excursions, and cultural events. It is a unique immersion curriculum that uses classroom time to prepare students to speak Spanish in everyday situations during community
service or cultural activities. No prior knowledge of Spanish is required; you’ll be placed
according to your ability. You will receive approximately 60 hours of Spanish immersion
over the three weeks.

+ 1 858 771 0645 57
www.experienceGLA.com

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GUATEMALA

Children of the Maya

ΩΩVolunteer at a Mayan school Ω Journey across sacred Lake Atitlan Ω Attend a ceremony with a Mayan shaman Ω Explore
58
ancient archeological ruins Ω Shop at the largest indigenous craft market in the hemisphere
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See the world of the Maya
through the eyes of a future generation
Observing the traditions of an ancient culture, while navigating an increasingly globalized world is the exciting
challenge of this, and future generations. Experience and interact with the art, artifacts, landscape, and inspiring young minds of Guatemala in this immersive program.
Based in Quetzaltenango (or “Xela” – shay-lah – as it’s referred to by locals), four hours from the capital city,
students will get to know the Xelaju people in this historically-treasured town of great scenic beauty.

Community Service
You will spend the week volunteering at a local school refurbishing it and working with
the Mayan children. The school is unique in that it is run by Mayan teachers and actively
promotes indigenous language and culture. You will help out fixing up the school painting or building the school as well as organizing games with the students. In addition, you
can share your talents doing arts and crafts, playing sports and games, and teaching basic
conversational English.

Hands-on Learning

10-DAY PROGRAM
June 25 – July 4
July 7 – July 16
July 19 – July 28
July 31 – August 9
Tuition: $1,995
Service hours: 20

Rural Guatemala is the perfect place to learn first-hand about living Mayan culture. We
will meet a traditional shaman who will teach us about Mayan cosmology, and also
learn about medicinal plants used by the Quiche people of the region. You’ll dive into
Guatemala’s rich culture by learning how to make the colorful indigenous textiles, how
to play the local music and even soak up art by indigenous painters. You will meet with
grassroots leaders to learn about the challenges the Mayan community faces to preserve
their heritage in the face of globalization.

Adventure

The GLA Home Base is a mountain lodge located on the
outskirts of Xela. It offers students a peaceful escape as
they are surrounded by beautiful countryside and majestic
mountains. Students and staff live in rooms with 2-3 bunk
beds per room.

Schedule
Start and end in the colonial town of Antigua, with
a full week of volunteering and cultural activities in
Quetzaltenango and one day in the market town of
Chichicastenango.
Download a detailed day-by-day schedule at
www.experienceGLA.com/info

GUATEMALA

Xela is located near many important cultural treasures such as the famous Mayan ruins
at Takalik Abaj. We’ll participate in a traditional ceremony with a Mayan shaman. We will
visit Antigua, a charming colonial town with gorgeous colonial architecture and cobblestone streets, Lake Atitlan, which rests at the foot of three massive conical volcanoes, and
Chichicastenango with the largest Mayan craft market in the world.

Lodging

+ 1 858 771 0645 59
www.experienceGLA.com

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Staff Profiles
Andrew Motiwalla

Jessica Rose Miller

Andrew serves as the Executive Director of GLA. He has extensive experience operating international educational programs around the world. He
served as senior vice president for the non-profit international volunteer
program Cross-Cultural Solutions, where he helped build programs from
scratch into a network of 14 countries and 2,500 volunteers. Andrew is
a graduate of Lawrence University and has done graduate studies in nonprofit management at New School University in New York City. He speaks
Spanish and Portuguese. In addition to international education, he enjoys
studying languages, anthropology and technology, and loves spending
time with his wife and two daughters at their home in San Diego.

Jessica is our Director of Admissions; she oversees the entire enrollment and pre-departure coordination process. Jessica has a passion for
international education and social entrepreneurship that stems from
experiences living and working abroad. Jessica is a graduate of Oregon
State University, where she studied History, Anthropology and Spanish.
After graduating, she worked as an Assistant Professor of English at the
University of Cantabria in northern Spain. While Jessica serves as the
Director of Admission for GLA, she also leads programs. She has directed GLA programs in Brazil, Ghana, Tanzania, the Dominican Republic,
Guatemala, Costa Rica, China and South Africa.

Bridget McFaul

Vince Bayard

Bridget is the GLA Regional Coordinator for Latin America and has led
GLA programs in Brazil, Guatemala, Dominican Republic, and Costa Rica.
She enjoys helping high school students find international experiences
which will benefit them for the rest of their lives. She has a deep passion
for international relations, community service and working with youth.
During her senior year of high school, Bridget went on a community service trip to Montana to volunteer with the Blackfeet Indian children; this
opened her eyes to the world and motivated her to study abroad during
college. The experience of living with people from around the world and
exploring the Australian outback solidified her commitment to international education and cross-cultural learning.

Vince is the Pre-Departure Coordinator for GLA. He received a degree
in Cultural Anthropology from San Francisco State University. Vince
was on the administrative teams for both the San Diego Natural History
Museum as well as the San Francisco Fine Art Museums. Vince has lived
and worked in France where he organized educational programs for
cultural and gastronomy educational experiences for non-French
citizens. He has organized these group tours in Spain, England, Italy,
Canada, and Argentina as well as in the United States. He has a great
passion for easing the travel process for students and families.

Chariane Fife

Mike Shangkuan

Chariane is the GLA Regional Coordinator for Asia and Africa. Born
in Japan, Chariane has since visited or lived in several other countries,
including Canada, Mexico, Peru, Uruguay, Argentina, Costa Rica, Italy,
England, and the Philippines as well as throughout the United States.
She speaks English, Spanish, and basic Tagalog and aspires to learn
even more languages. Chariane is currently the volunteer director of
the Mexico Orphanage Impact Team at Flood Church and has a BA in
International Business at San Diego State University. Chariane has led
GLA programs in South Africa, Ghana, and Tanzania.

Mike is in charge of marketing and finance for GLA. Although he was
born and raised in New Jersey, he is the son of parents who emigrated
from Taiwan. His passion for travel and immersing himself in other cultures began in high school when he took his first trip outside of the States
to France. It was a life-changing experience. Since then he has lived in
eight countries across Europe, Latin America, and Asia. Mike is fluent
in Mandarin and Spanish and likes to travel, lift weights, and sing in his
free time. He has a BA in Economics from Yale and a MBA from Harvard
Business School.

For more staff profiles, please see page 9.

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FAQs
For a more detailed FAQ, go to our website at www.experiencegla.com/program-details/faq

How is GLA different from other programs?

Who meets my student in country?

GLA programs differ in the depth of experience we provide, giving what our students have coined a
“life-changing experience.” We have five differentiating factors: our focus on safety through the GLA
Five-Point Safety System™, Expert Staff, Full-Service Parent Support, the GLA Home Base (dedicated facilities for GLA students), and most importantly our secret sauce – The Service Learning
Adventure™. To learn more about what makes GLA different, please take a look at pages 4-11.

GLA staff picks up every student at the airport upon arrival to the destination country. If the plane
is delayed, they will wait until students arrive. Upon arrival, students will phone parents to inform
them of their safe arrival. Students will either be provided with a phone card to phone home, or use a
staff member’s mobile phone. Students are also encouraged to bring their own phones if possible.
Do you have references for your programs?

How do you help ensure safety?
Safety is our #1 priority. Because we work only with high school age students, we are aware of the
unique safety issues and concerns of this age group. That’s why GLA has implemented the GLA
Five-Point Safety System ™: 1) Safe and Secure Lodging, 2) Caring Supervision, 3) Healthy Meals
and Pure Water, 4) Safe and Comfortable Transportation, and 5) Expert Local Knowledge. To learn
more about the GLA Five-Point Safety System ™, take a look at page 8.
How do you assess the safety of your destinations, and what happens if there is an
incident that compromises the student’s safety?
In addition to regular reports that we get from the US, Canadian and British Departments of State,
we liaise with consular offices in the countries to which we travel. We also rely on our own in-country
contacts: the people with whom we set up our programs, the current international and local staff
with whom we work to determine the safety of a particular country. If we ever determine a country or
region to be unsafe, we will close the program and fully refund all enrolled students.
What happens if a student gets sick or injured?
We work with emergency response service providers, and have carefully researched in-country medical facilities. GLA purchases secondary emergency medical insurance and evacuation insurance
for all students while they are in our program. If a student becomes ill, we respond immediately to
ensure appropriate medical care. If it is determined that a higher level of care is necessary than can
be provided in the country, the student will be evacuated.
How do students travel to the destination country?
Once you enroll in a program, we will provide exact information about which airport to fly into and
any restrictions in terms of arrival times. However, for students coming from the USA who wish to
fly together with other students, we offer a suggested group flight itinerary for each program. This
flight departs out of a US gateway city. This is not a chaperoned flight, but students can meet at this
gateway and fly to the destination country together. Once you enroll in a program, we will provide
the suggested group flight information to you.

Yes! We have an extensive list of references which includes student, parent and teachers who you
can contact via phone or email to learn about their GLA experience. To obtain a copy of our reference
list please call us at +1 858 771 0645 or email info@experienceGLA.com
How competitive is the application process to join a GLA program?
We do not have a specific GPA requirement or test score. We require essays and an evaluation to
determine the fit of a student for a GLA program. Our intention is not to restrict participation on
our programs. The application process is a time where we can assess if the needs and desires of
the student are aligned with what GLA offers. Ensuring that students and parents have the correct
expectations about the program will allow all parties to avoid misunderstanding later on.
What is the admissions process?
Apply online www.experienceGLA.com/apply or with a downloadable paper application. There are
three required parts of the application: $395 deposit ($25 nonrefundable application fee, $370 deposit
applied toward total tuition), three short essays, and one student self-evaluation. Once an application
has been submitted our admissions staff will review it and inform you about acceptance within two
business days. Once enrolled, you will receive all pre-departure information and required paperwork.
When is the GLA application deadline?
We do not have an official deadline. We have a rolling admissions process. As long as we have space
on specific programs, we will continue to review applications until 30 days before a program start
date. Some programs fill up very quickly and have group size limitations. We recommend applying
early to secure spots on programs. Please check specific program details for group sizes.
Do you offer custom programs for groups?
Absolutely. GLA has extensive experience designing customs programs for high schools, families,
clubs, universities, and other types of groups. Our Program Managers will work with you to create
a program that matches the unique goals and topics you want to address. We can provide you with
promotional materials, speak with prospective families and students, and send out necessary predeparture information. In country, we take care of all logistics. To inquire about a custom program,
please call 1-858-771-0645 or e-mail us at info@experiencegla.com.

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Find the Program that Fits Your Interests
GLA has more than 50 programs to choose from. Find the programs that focus on your topics of interest.